Generation of stable solitary waves by a piston-type wave maker

• A numerical model for solitary wave generated by using a piston-type wave maker is developed.
• The method used in this numerical model is a meshless one.
• We study on how to generate “stable” solitary waves by using this numerical model.

The focus of present study is on how to generate solitary waves as pure as possible by using a piston type wave maker. A meshless numerical model, which can simulate the trajectories of fluid particles in a wave motion exerted by the wave paddle, is established for the purpose of present study. The present numerical model is verified by the comparison with experimental data before it is employed to the focused problem. Various wave paddle motions are considered. The results show that solitary waves generated by applying Fenton’s solitary solution to the paddle motion proposed by Goring are purer than those generated by other paddle motions.